Congressman Cole Votes for Pledge Protection Act

Washington, D.C. – In order to protect the Pledge of Allegiance from Federal court rulings, Congressman Cole voted today for the Pledge Protection Act (H.R. 2028). This legislation, which Congressman Cole co-sponsored, will prevent the lower Federal courts from hearing cases involving the Pledge and determining the constitutionality of reciting the Pledge.

"Runaway, liberal courts should not be determining law for the entire country," Congressman Tom Cole said. "This legislation will protect both the Pledge and the states' right to make decisions for itself. "

H.R. 2028 reserves to the state courts the authority to decide whether the Pledge is valid within each state's boundaries. If different states come to different decisions regarding the constitutionality of the Pledge, the effects of such decisions will be felt only within those states.

"The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees the freedom of speech and religious expression against sanction, prevention, or infringement by the federal government," Congressman Cole said. "I will continue to work to protect the rights of states like Oklahoma who take pride in the traditional version of the Pledge of Allegiance."

The Pledge Protection Act passed today in the House and must now be considered by the Senate.

###